Liver donor found for S'pore woman, 41, admitted into ICU after giving birth due to rare liver disease

The Singaporean woman, who was diagnosed with a rare life-threatening liver disease after giving birth to a baby boy, has successfully found a liver donor and is recovering well.

The 41-year-old woman, surnamed Ho, had to undergo an emergency C-section at 34 weeks on Jan. 20 to deliver the baby due to severe pre-eclampsia.

Her condition deteriorated following the birth, with her liver and both kidneys failing.

Ho was eventually intubated and put under heavy sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU), without the chance to hold her newborn son.

Ho's family and friends later made urgent appeals through social media for prospective liver donors.

A compatible liver donor was eventually found and Ho underwent a long yet successful liver transplant surgery on Feb. 5, Ho's husband told Mothership.

Surgery was over 14 hours long

The surgery was a lengthy one that lasted over 14 hours, Ho's husband shared.

Fortunately, Ho is making progress in her recovery and has been moved to the high-dependency ward.

"While her liver function is improving, her kidneys sustained damage during the liver failure and are still recovering," he said.

The doctors anticipate a prolonged recovery period for her kidney function.

When asked about the donor, Ho's husband said that they are unable to share details, citing confidentiality reasons.

However, they have been informed that the donor has been discharged and is recovering well.

Have yet to hold son

While Ho is awake and is able to speak, she has yet to hold her newborn son, as she is still unable to move and requires physiotherapy to regain muscle activities.

It will take time, Ho's husband said.

As for the baby boy, he is being taken care of by his paternal grandmother, who Ho's husband said has been "a wonderful help".

Their older son is also doing well and is happy to know that his mother is getting better, he added.

Appreciate the support

The husband also expressed words of appreciation to everyone who supported their family, including the doctors and nurses at the National University Hospital (NUH).

"Your prayers, well wishes, and acts of kindness have meant the world to us, providing a lifeline of hope and strength during this incredibly challenging time," he said.

He also shared how moved he was by those who considered donating their liver:

"The thoughtfulness of those who considered organ donation — the selfless willingness to give the gift of life — has deeply moved me.

It's a testament to the incredible compassion of the human spirit. May life bring you all joy, good health, and everything your heart’s desire. May your paths be filled with kindness and blessings."

Top photo via Ho's husband